Are you ready for 7-plus feet of snow? It could happen with a major snow storm starting today at multiple Tahoe ski resorts.
To the delight of skiers and snowboarders throughout Northern California, an epic storm – similar to the one tagged as “Februburied” in 2019 – could be the result by Friday morning (Jan. 29).
The largest winter storm of the season is barreling toward California and is expected to bring extreme weather from San Diego to San Francisco, and Sacramento to the Lake Tahoe region. Weather forecasters say this storm has everything – blizzard conditions, brutal winds, blinding snow, threat of mudslides, power outages and more.
“This is definitely looking like the storm of the year up to this point,” said Hannah Chandler-Cooley, a forecaster with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Sacramento.
CHECK OUT PROJECTED TAHOE SNOW TOTALS BELOW
According to Bryan Allegretto, California Snow Forecaster for OpenSnow.com, the storm begins Tuesday night and lasts through Friday morning. When the storm subsides, it could leave behind some incredible snow totals.
SIERRA, KIRKWOOD – 88 INCHES: The snow totals will be measured in feet – not inches! Allegretto says both Sierra-at-Tahoe and Kirkwood Mountain could receive up to 88 inches of snow – roughly 7½ feet. Not far behind is Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows with 79 inches.
“We are expecting a very strong storm to hit the area from Tuesday night into Thursday, with multiple feet of new snow in the forecast,” said Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows spokesperson Alex Spychalsky. “Operations at the ski resort will be impacted by the extreme weather we are anticipating. Lifts may be delayed in opening Wednesday due to post-storm maintenance work that will need to be completed, including clearing lifts of rime ice, rebuilding access roads, and avalanche control.”
Allegretto believes that seven Tahoe ski resorts could receive 5 or more feet of snow by Friday morning. Although most Tahoe ski resorts are offering good overall snow coverage and have many lifts operating on a daily basis, it’s been a disappointing season for snowfall despite some solid accumulation over the past week.
The NWS is predicting less snow than Allegretto, yet it’s still very significant. In the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe region, forecasters are calling for between 3 and 6 feet of snow by the end of this week. Some models suggest up to 80 inches of snow could fall on the summits along Interstate 80 and Highway 50.
The Lake Tahoe valley floors could see well over a foot of snow. Four to 10 inches are expected in the 4,500 range with 10 to 20 inches above 5,000 feet. There is a 20% chance for about 18 inches of snow in the Reno/Carson/Minden areas.
BLIZZARD WARNING: The NWS in Reno has upgraded the incoming multi-day snowstorm to a Blizzard Warning that is in effect from 10 p.m. Tuesday night through 4 a.m. Friday.
The blizzard conditions are expected to impact the Lake Tahoe area, including South Lake Tahoe and Truckee on the California side, and Stateline and Incline Village on the Nevada shore. Parts of Placer and El Dorado counties, as well as Amador, Alpine, Nevada, Sierra, Tuolumne, Calaveras and Mono, should also brace for extreme conditions.
Ridgetop winds are expected to increase from the southwest Tuesday night, with gusts possibly hitting 100-plus mph over the ridges by Wednesday morning and increasing up to 70 mph Thursday. The result will be blowing snow that likely closes some upper mountain lifts on the taller exposed mountains at Tahoe ski resorts. Skiers and riders will want to find a shorter wind-protected area.
Winter storm warnings will remain in effect from north of Tahoe to as far south as Sequoia National Forest through 4 a.m. Friday. Snow levels are expected to rise to 2,500 to 3,000 feet Wednesday, and then to between 3,000 and 4,000 feet Thursday morning.
The NWS is advising travelers to stay home once the snow starts. Expect zero visibility through Friday morning and strong winds could cause tree damage and power outages.
HAZARDOUS TRAVEL: Travel could be impossible at times and officials advise changing plans or be prepared to be stuck in the car for extended periods. People on the roads should anticipate delays and whiteout conditions and have an emergency kit in their vehicles that includes tire chains, water and warm clothing, plus extra food.
There will also be wind gusts up to 45 mph and 90 mph over exposed ridges, which will create havoc for motorists trying to travel over mountain roads on both Interstate 80 and Highway 50.
“This is a life-threatening situation,” the NWS in Reno said. “Do not attempt to travel. If you risk travel over the Sierra passes, you could be stuck in your car for several hours, if not a day. Cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.”
POWDER DAYS: If you’re a skier or snowboarder hoping to take advantage of the conditions, there might be some good news – Friday and Saturday will likely bring a reprieve from the blizzard-like conditions. Note that another storm potentially arrives Sunday.
According to Allegretto, the models are showing the winds coming down some by Thursday afternoon, and then lighter for Friday. That will bring better skiing conditions, assuming skiers and riders can get to at Tahoe ski resort and don’t run into avalanche control.
Many Tahoe ski resorts are still in the purple tier, so anyone visiting during the storm should be prepared to spend much of the day outside in the elements – access to lodges and indoor areas are restricted. Walk-up ticket sales have been eliminated at many Tahoe ski resorts, so skiers and riders will need a season pass or purchase a day lift ticket online in advance.
COVID policies remain in effect. Face coverings are required at all times within the resorts, except when skiing and riding down the trails. Skiers and riders must also maintain the appropriate social distancing.
EXTENDED FORECAST: The next storm is moving into the West Coast and should take place sometime Sunday, predicts Allegretto.
“The trough is digging south off the coast, and that may keep the moisture directed to our north on Sunday and even into Sunday night,” he said. “If that is the case, we may see a break in the snow Saturday night into Sunday night. Sunday could be partly sunny and a decent day for skiing.
By Monday, Allegretto says a wave rounding the base of the trough may help to push the storm inland. The forecast models are not in agreement on how much moisture this system will have. The GFS and Canadian models are more aggressive than the European model. They show a possible two-day storm Monday-Tuesday. That could result in another round of moderate-heavy snow.
PROJECTED TAHOE SNOW TOTALS
- Kirkwood: 88 inches
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: 88 inches
- Squaw Valley: 79 inches
- Alpine Meadows: 79 inches
- Sugar Bowl: 69 inches
- Heavenly: 64 inches
- Northstar: 62 inches
- Boreal: 59 inches
- Homewood: 53 inches
- Mt. Rose: 50 inches
- Diamond Peak: 47 inches
